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Holiday Videos |
Great DVD's | Educational Videos
& DVD's
 Alvin and the Chipmunks, 20th Century Fox, $29.99, Rated PG
If you suspected this movie would drive you nuts — no pun intended — don’t worry, it won’t! This movie is cute, entertaining, and fun. The best part is hearing your grandchildren giggle at the silly parts. The story is simple: Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is a struggling songwriter and failing advertising executive who discovers three chipmunks that can sing. He has an epiphany in the middle of the night and realizes the talented critters just might solve his career problems. He strikes a bargain with them: They can stay as long as they sing his songs. The chipmunks view Dave as their Dad, and although Dave initially scoffs at this, he later realizes that family is important and treats the chipmunks like his “kids.” It’s an adorable story that everyone will enjoy and watch more than once!
 The BBC Natural History Collection, BBC Video, $179.99
Just in time for Earth Day on April 22, the BBC has released this special gift collection. The 17-disc DVD set includes the Planet Earth, The Blue Planet: Seas of Life, The Life of Birds, and The Life of Mammals. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough and shot with ultra-high-speed cameras, each DVD offers mesmerizing scenes of places near-impossible to see in in person. We recommended the Planet Earth series as our holiday gift suggestion for teens; We certainly recommend this expanded set for family viewing on Earth Day.
 No Reservations, Warner Home Video, $19.99, Rated PG
In No Reservations, Catherine Zeta-Jones plays master chef Kate, who runs the kitchen of an upscale Manhattan restaurant. Kate's world is suddenly thrown off course by the accidental death of her sister, whose 9-year-old daughter, Zoe (Abigail Breslin), unexpectedly comes to live with her. While taking time off to tend to her niece, the restaurant's owner hires a new sous chef, the incredibly charming and talented Nick (Aaron Eckhart). What follows is a classic boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl love story filled with fierce competition and humor. It's difficult to imagine viewers younger than the tween set truly enjoying this movie, but for fans of sappy romantic comedies, it's a surefire winner.
 WordWorld:
Rocket to the Moon, NCircle Entertainment, Not Rated,
$12.99
This DVD is another example of the great work that is being showcased by
WordWorld, a new show on PBS Kids that teaches vocabulary and spelling to
toddlers. This DVD features “Pies, Pies, Pies,” where Pig learns that by adding
an “s” to pie he can create pies for everyone in WordWorld. “There’s an Ant in
Every Giant” is another clever story: When an ant becomes tired of being the
smallest, he adds a “Gi” to his name and becomes a “giant.” Our tester families
seem to be able to watch this over and over, and the series in general; It’s a
valuable staple for anyone with a grandchild 2 years and older.
 I
Am Legend (Widescreen Single-Disc Edition), Warner
Home Video, Rated PG-13, $15.99
Grandparents, be warned: This movie is not for the faint of heart and definitely
not for younger grandchildren (unless you don’t mind staying up with them while
they have nightmares). The story is about Robert Neville (Will Smith) and his
trusty dog, Sam. These two are the lone survivors (of sorts) in New York City
after a virus sweeps through and kills the rest of the population. Neville is
determined to stay in Manhattan and find the antidote for the virus. The story
that follows is just plain frightening: As if a virus that renders humans
extinct doesn’t cause enough creepy-shivers, we later discover that those
infected humans have turned into mutant-zombie creatures. They come out only
when the sun has gone down, are driven by hunger, and basically act like rabid
dogs. That said, we found the PG-13 rating to be fair, but by no means should
you watch it just before bed. Make I Am Legend the first part of a double
feature, the second film being the dumbest, lighthearted comedy you can find.
 Mr.
Magorium's Wonder Emporium (Widescreen Edition), 20th
Century Fox, Rated G, $14.99
In case you missed the theatrical release, you can get the DVD of this
incredibly family-friendly movie, which makes it easier for your grandchildren
to enjoy multiple screenings. This whimsical movie is to toys what Charlie and
The Chocolate Factory was to candy, as we have an ageless toy-shop proprietor,
Mr. Magorium, who looks for a successor. The only problem is the toys in his
ancient store start “misbehaving” in the face of Magorium’s impending
retirement. This is a wacky classic for a wide range of ages.
 Trevor
Romain: If You Don't Take Care of Your Body, Where Else Are You Going to Live? ,
Trevor Romain Company, Not Rated, $13.49
With childhood obesity on the rise, this DVD sends a timely message to kids
about getting fit, eating right, and taking care of their bodies. Each of the
two episodes, “Field Day to the Extreme” and “Tips for Becoming Fun-ergized,”
centers on getting up, out, and active. “Field Day” is supposed to be a fun day
for all the middle school students who participate, but Skye, Jack, and Darryl,
new to such challenges, have trouble keeping up and look to Trevor to find out
what happened. They learn that physical activity and eating right are not only
important, but fun. This is a good educational DVD to ensure your grandchildren
stay on the right food and exercise path for healthy hearts, minds, and bodies.
 The
Chipmunk Adventure, Paramount, Rated G, $14.99
Featuring some great music, like “Wooly Bully,” “Girls of
Rock ‘N’ Roll,” and more, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore take off in a hot-air
balloon race against the “Chipettes,” Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor. Fans of
Alvin and the Chipmunks will enjoy the music; they’ll laugh and generally be
entertained by the musically gifted critters. If you haven’t heard enough of
them by the end of the movie, good news: The collectible special-edition DVD
boasts a CD featuring 11 classic tracks.
 Johnny
and the Sprites — Meet the Sprites, Walt Disney Video,
Rated G, $16.99
With his great voice and upbeat personality, Johnny (John Tartaglia) gets kids
excited about his special world, Grotto’s Grove, and his friends, the Sprites.
Johnny is a Broadway-trained singer, a longtime Sesame Street veteran, and
creator and star of the show — a trusted name in kids’ entertainment. The music
will get your grandchildren up and dancing — and maybe get you singing, too!
Johnny and his friends Basil, Lily, Ginger, and Root learn lessons and celebrate
friendship — all great and worthwhile messages for your littlest ones.
 The
Beatrix Potter Collection, BBC Warner, Not Rated,
$24.99
You may have grown up reading these stories yourself, and perhaps you’ve
wondered where they’ve gone since Dora, Diego, and SpongeBob started dominating
children’s entertainment. Fear not: Classics never die, they just get made into
great DVDs. This collection features nine animated stories, and is based on the
original Peter Rabbit books, including favorites like The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle
and Mr. Jeremy Fisher and The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies and Mrs. Tittlemouse.
Each 30-minute story contains relaxing, beautiful music and the classic
illustrative style you’ll remember from the books. Grandparents, take note:
There are some old-fashioned values that may require discussion after — but it’s
healthy to discuss how punishment was handled then and how things are handled
now. Try these — you just might have another generation of Beatrix Potter fans!
Older Grandchildren
 Sweeny
Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Dreamworks, Rated R, $34.99
Yes, there’s graphic bloody violence and this movies is rated R for a reason,
there is foul language, and yes, he kills people and put them in meat pies so
this is obviously not for younger grandchildren but for older grandchildren who
can handle the mature themes it’s definitely worth considering. With vocals by
the extremely gifted Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter this is a dark musical
treat. Fans of Tim Burtons’ will not be disappointed with his adaptation of this
classic story. Note, it’s not for the squeamish and definitely dark, so if you
tread – do so with the parents’ permission first!
 Becoming
Jane, Miramax, Rated PG, $17.99
Tween or teen granddaughters who share your love for classic Jane Austen novels
and movies will duly enjoy this film about Austen’s own greatest romance. In a
story widely believed to be the inspiration for Austen’s fiction, Anne Hathaway
plays the young author, who is caught in a love affair that did not start off
with immediate attraction. Keeping with Austen’s trademark story progression,
the romance begins with clashing opinions and egos, and eventually turns to true
love. James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, and Maggie Smith make a
formidable cast for this unique period film.
 Into
the Wild (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)
Paramount, Rated R, $24.99
While you might not think an R-rated movie is something you’ll watch with your
grandchildren, Into the Wild is a movie that is a must-see conversation starter
for you and your older grandchildren. Based on the true story written by Jon
Krakauer, Sean Penn's screen adaptation features Emile Hirsch as Christopher
McCandless, the son of a prosperous family who, after graduating from Emory
University in the 1990s, decides to chuck it all in. He donates his savings and
hitchhikes to the Alaskan wilderness. Many people viewed the novice’s trip as
suicidal, while others believed him to be a visionary. It’s a poignant story
that you will surely talk about for months afterwards, but bear in mind there is
some nudity, foul language, and death, but the lessons and discussions you and
your grandchildren will walk away with are worth it. If you’re still unsure
about a joint viewing, we recommend picking the book first.
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